For the first time under Javi Gracia, Watford were unable to secure all three points in a home game, as a late Bournemouth equaliser denied the Hornets.

The Spaniard had seen his side win all three of his home games since taking over from Marco Silva and his side looked set to make it four, until Jermain Defoe pounced in stoppage-time to make it 2-2.

Kiko Femenia and Roberto Pereyra were the men with the Watford goals, whilst Bournemouth's first equaliser before half-time came from the penalty spot, Josh King sending Orestis Karnezis the wrong way.

It was a far more entertaining game than the two previous victories over Everton and West Brom, with both sides looking for goals and attacking often. The opener came courtesy of a deflected Kiko volley, although he did fantastically to keep the effort down.

Watford were on top for much of the first half, however, a moment of madness from Jose Holebas saw the Cherries gifted an equaliser. He punched the ball away at the back post and Andy Madley, on his first Premier League appearance, pointed to the spot. King made no mistake.

But shortly after the break the Hornets regained the lead as Pereyra's low effort crept into the bottom corner leaving Begovic rooted to the spot.

Both sides had chances to score again but it looked like Watford were going to pick up another three points. That was until Defoe pounced in stoppage-time to knock the ball past Karnezis. How he was afforded that much time in the box is the real question, even if the Hornets felt the free-kick was wrongly awarded - replays showed that Stefano Okaka had led with his arm though.

Here is how we rated the players

Orestis Karnezis

Produced good saves to deny Junior Stanislas twice and will be frustrated with the manner his left-back gave the penalty away and how Defoe was left unmarked.. Accomplished aside from those noticeable saves. 7

Daryl Janmaat

After being turned by Stanislas early, Janmaat grew into the game and was a real threat alongside Kiko. His performance levels have improved under Javi Gracia and the partnership with Kiko looks promising. A little disappointing that he didn't cut the shot off in the build up to the first goal. 6.5

Adrian Mariappa

A shaky first half. Had Sebastian Prodl to thank for a fantastic last ditch tackle after he was pickpocketed and gave the ball away at times. Vastly improved after the break, however, not near Defoe at the death. 6

Sebastian Prodl

Really strong display from the Austrian. As mentioned earlier, bailed his centre-back partner out of trouble with a quality slide tackle. Booked for a wild swipe on Callum Wilson and was taken off with an injury problem, although it's unclear what that is. 7

Jose Holebas

Ridiculous decision to punch the ball away at the back post and could have no complaints about the penalty or booking. A shame, as he had played well up to then. The sort of moments you can ill-afford. 5

Bournemouth celebrate their equaliser (Getty Images)

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Not necessarily an eye-catching display, but this was another good performance and it's what you expect from the Frenchman. Used the ball well, broke up play when needed and even showed his fiery side in a confrontation with King in the second half. 7

Etienne Capoue

Sporting a new bleach blonde hairstyle, Capoue was a solid presence in the middle of the park. One particular ball over the top for Kiko was the standout moment, but it was, on the whole, a disciplined display. 6.5

Kiko Femenia

If Kiko Femenia had remained fit all season, you'd think he would run Abdoulaye Doucoure pretty close for the player of the year award. He is that good when he does play and kept finding space against the Bournemouth defence. His first Watford goal might have been deflected, but it was quality technique to keep it down in the first place. 8

Will Hughes

Makes a massive difference to this Watford side and, should he stay fit, you hope that he can enjoy a run in the side for the rest of the season. Teed up Pereyra for the second goal, and created plenty of chances apart from that. Standing ovation when he was taken off. 8

Kiko is mobbed after opening his Watford account (Getty Images)

Roberto Pereyra

Had been the quietest of Watford's forward players in the first half, but kept his shot on target and was rewarded with a goal shortly after the break. 6

Troy Deeney

Deeney seems to enjoy playing with Hughes and linking up with the playmaker. The second goal came from his power and desire to beat Ryan Fraser, while he had a couple of shots, including an acrobatic one, blocked before the break. 6.5

Subs

Craig Cathcart

Great to see the Northern Irishman back, he played 27 minutes on his first appearance since August. A little rusty on occasions. 6

Stefano Okaka

Made his presence felt and had one effort saved by Begovic. Silly to lead with his arm when challenging for the ball, and that foul eventually led to the equaliser. 6

Richarlison

Only on for ten minutes, but in that time he showed his ability to beat his man and win a corner. Hearing the Rookery Stand sing his name will have given him confidence too, because he has looked lost at times recently. N/A